Nuclear Negotiator Meets Oman Minister Amid Stall In Indirect US Talks

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani met with Oman's Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali al-Harthy in the Omani capital Muscat on 3 August, just two days after a phone call between Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarik. Oman has played an important role as an intermediary between the US and Iran, allowing indirect discussions to take place.

• Iranian state media reportedthat during the 1 Aug call, the two leaders "talked about the progress in the implementation of the cooperation agreements signed during their reciprocal visits to Muscat and Tehran.The two leaders also highlighted Iran and Oman’s determination to enhance relations between the two states and promote their cooperation.They also discussed plans for regional and international cooperation between Iran and Oman."
• Axios first reported in June that Oman was acting as an intermediary in indirect talks between the US and Iran, likely regarding the nuclear issue. The suspension of senior US negotiator Rob Malley in July has added a further element of uncertainty as to the future of any talks, direct or indirect, between Iran and the US.
• Azerbaijan's Trend News reports comments from former official of Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ghasem Mohebbali claiming that "Iran's indirect talks with the US were mostly prisoner exchanges. However, the removal of the US Special Representative for Iran Affairs, Robert Malley, stopped these discussions. If Malley is replaced by someone with a tougher attitude, then indirect talks between Iran and the United States will also come to a standstill,"